BILLINGS, Montana — In a Friday night game against Simon Fraser University, Adams State falls by a score of 49-42. The Grizzlies struggled offensively all night, which led to their loss tonight. The loss puts the Grizzlies at a record of 3-2 as the early season rolls on.
In tonight's first half, the Grizzlies struggled offensively, scoring only 18 points. They shot 8-26 from the floor and 0-8 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Simon Fraser took advantage of their struggles and built an early lead, ending the half ahead 26-18. The Grizzlies' offensive difficulties continued in the second half, as they were never able to find a rhythm. However, their effort improved slightly, scoring 24 points and shooting 8-33 from the field and 1-12 on three-pointers. A key factor in their second-half performance was their ability to get to the free throw line, making 7 of 11 attempts. Despite this improved effort, it was not enough, as Simon Fraser did just enough to prevent the Grizzlies from mounting a comeback and winning the game.
The true story of tonight's game for the Grizzlies was their defense, as this is what truly kept them in tonight's game. Although the Grizzlies finished the night shooting 27.1% from the floor, they held Simon Fraser to 32.2% from the floor. Along with this, the Grizzlies forced 26 turnovers, which included 14 steals. Without the Grizzlies' defense in tonight's game, the score might have been slightly different.
Individually, for the Grizzlies, they were led by Taejhuan Hill, Kiiyani Anitielu, and Elaina Watson. Hill finished the night with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 1 steal. Hill ended the night shooting 6-11 from the floor and 3-4 from the free-throw line. Hill's 15 points and 13 rebounds both led the Grizzlies. Anitielu was second for the Grizzlies in scoring as she ended the night with 10 points. Anitielu also collected 4 steals and 1 rebound, while shooting 4-13 from the floor and 0-4 from the 3-point line. Watson finished with a full stat line, collecting 10 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Watson finished the night 2-9 from the floor and 0-3 from behind the 3-point line.
Looking forward for the Grizzlies, they will look to bounce back as they play tomorrow afternoon against Montana State Billings. The game against MSU Billings will be played at 2 PM MST at MSU Billings's home court in Billings, Montana. MSU Billings is currently 3-4 in the young season. The game will be a great opportunity for the Grizzlies to bounce back and get on the winning track before conference play starts in just a few weeks.
